The textile industry is one of the most important business lines of the Turkish economy. Vital for both employment and the economic value it creates, this industry is unfortunately not at the desired point in terms of insurance. Insurance does not only provide assurance for the manufacturers against the risks in the specified criteria but also provides a market-oriented trust chain. Therefore, developed industries and widespread insurance coexist. One of Turkey’s well established insurance companies, Generali launched the ‘Ekmek Teknem’ for the textile industry, highlighting the benefits of being insured.
Seydi Demir, Assistant General Manager of Sales at Generali, explained both their new services and their views of the industry. Demir said that close to 3.5 million companies operates in Turkey, and stressed that the vast majority of these businesses are uninsured and continue their activities without being under guarantee. Stating that this low insurance rate was experienced in the textile sector in the same way, Demir continued his words saying; “The textile industry is one of Turkey’s leading sectors with the employment it creates, GDP share of existing investments and high export rates. However, we cannot say that the insurance rate in the textile industry is sufficient. Considering the insurance rate, companies operating in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli and Antalya stand out. The insurance rate in other provinces is at a lower level”.
The risk never ends; fire, natural disaster, accident, etc.
Pointing out the risks in the textile industry, Seydi Demir said that the biggest risk in these plants where large amounts of energy, machinery and flammable materials are used is fire. Demir; “Another major risk is natural disasters. We now encounter natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods very often. Turkey is an earthquake-prone country, we have to live and work knowing this reality. Another fact of our country is occupational accidents. In almost every sector, we may encounter minor or major occupational accidents. In general, the necessary conditions for mitigation of all risks are revealed by conducting the Risk Inspection study and we inform the companies about the current risk situations of their enterprises”.
A first in Turkish Insurance business from Generali; Ekmek Teknem
Seydi Demir said that Generali offers solutions that appeal to all sectors, not just the textile industry. Stressing that ‘Ekmek Teknem’ developed for the textile industry is a first, Demir explained that this product is designed on the basis of flexibility required by SMEs and businessmen. Stating that they want to increase the weight of the textile industry in their portfolios with the solutions they offer, Demir said;
“Ekmek Teknem allows SMEs and businessmen in the textile industry to create their own security packages. It eliminates the need to pay extra premiums for collaterals that are not needed. In other words, ‘Ekmek Teknem’ eliminates the concerns of SMEs and businessmen serving the textile industry about; customers, employees, machines, electronic devices and even operating profits. Providing the ability to issue policies quickly and effortlessly, ‘Ekmek Teknem’ covers several basic guarantees such as; fire, theft and natural disasters. In addition, if the insured chooses the Standard Package, seasonal increases in stock are protected against risks such as moulds, tools and devices in subcontractors and commodities in open areas. In the case of Gold Package preference, they receive protection against risks such as garage, parking, financial liability, damage to leased goods and product shipping liability”.
Demir; “We offer a wide range of assistance services”
Seydi Demir, in addition to the traditional premium payment and insurance process; said they also provide special assurances and extensive assistance services. Demir said that ‘Ekmek Teknem’ insurance provides a comprehensive Basic Protection Package with 7/24 assistance services against high probability risks; and that the risks of liability that may arise from operating activities are also secured by the Operation Responsibility Package. Demir; “Our new product offers rich and qualified wide assistance services for SMEs and businessmen in textile industry with help services”.
Seydi Demir reiterated that in 2020 Generali wants to increase the weight of the textile industry in their business portfolio; and said that they have taken the first step with the ‘Ekmek Teknem’; an insurance that provides special benefits to the textile industry. Demir concluded his words as follows; “We aim to increase the solutions for the industry and to stand by the companies; in places that will provide added value. Our aim is to take steps for long-term partnership with the sector companies; which we will walk together and provide benefits to them”.